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Brazilian Deputies approved Venezuelan Mercosur entry

by rahul | December 21, 2008 at 04:15 pm

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Despite the massive approval of the Venezuelan entry at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, conservatives at the senate led by José Agripino Maia and Sergio Guerra have promised to block the approving legislation. The Deputies vote was 265-61 against, with six abstentions. At this moment, it is unlikely conservative Brazilians at the Senate could reject the Venezuelan membership of Mercosur. Brazilian President Lula da Silva had promised to use all devises to have the Venezuelan application approved during his term as chairman of Mercosur.

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved Wednesday night the protocol that allows Venezuela to join the Common Market of the South (Mercosur). The motion will be discussed later by the Brazilian Senate. Argentina and Uruguay, two of the other full members of Mercosur have already approved Venezuela's admission. The vote in the Chamber of Deputies was 265-61 against, with six abstentions, AFP reported. Some legislators who oppose the leftist government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voted against Venezuela's membership. They argue that Venezuela could disrupt international trade negotiations developed by the trade group with other countries. Brazil presides over Mercosur during the second half of 2008. Lula had repeatedly said that his government was committed to achieving the full membership of Venezuela during his presidency.

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mazevedo

at 10:25 on December 22nd, 2008

I definetly have to agree with the oposition based on atitudes previously taken by Chavez. I believe like the oposition, the “Mercosur can’t accept Venezuela, until Chavez is out of office”.